Westfield police officer says man punched him in the face

WESTFIELD - A Westfield police officer said a man punched him in the face after the officer approached him and asked for his name.

Daniel St. Jean, 52, who police say is homeless and from Springfield, is charged with assault and battery on a police officer. At his Thursday arraignment in Westfield District Court, Judge Philip Contant set bail at $2,500.

Ofc. Steven Nacewicz wrote in his report that around 7:30 p.m. Wednesday he saw St. Jean walking west on Orange Street. Nacewicz said he was familiar with St. Jean and he believed he could have warrants out for his arrest.

Nacewicz approached St. Jean at the corner of Orange and Kellogg streets and asked to speak with him, to which St. Jean agreed, the report said.

St. Jean then gave his name as "Ron Bevan," to which Nacewicz said he believed St. Jean was lying and asked for his real name, the report said.

Nacewicz wrote that St. Jean suddenly pushed him in the chest, then punched him twice on the left side of his face before running north on Kellogg.

Checking later, Nacewicz said St. Jean had four warrants out for his arrest.

Capt. Michael McCabe said Friday morning that Nacewicz chased St. Jean after the incident. Other officers were able to catch up to St. Jean and took him into custody without another incident.

McCabe said Nacewicz had a swollen eye socket, but did not need medical attention.